The long line.The many, many people on that line.The pictures.The emptiness from the pain in the eyes of a new widow.A young woman holding onto her boyfriend as a life support.

Me, bending down to touch the face of my friend as she whispers, "Maggie, I have no more tears. I am dry." I kiss her cheeks and the top of her head and leave her with all the blessings I have in me; with all the love I have. Moving on to her daughter who is strong but oh so shell shocked.

Francie has extraordinary neighbors who I too am privileged to call friends. There is a protective border around her on all sides. I live in an awesome community. We are collecting money, because immediate needs always need to be met.

But as my friend Christine so eloquently pointed out to me on the phone last night, "The money is almost secondary. It makes US feel better. THE most important thing we can do is stand together as a community for Francie. She needs to know we're here for her."

She will see us. She will feel us. We will give her strength when she is empty.

Tragedies are awful.

Always.

Friendship. Community. Love.

THAT is what matters.

xo

PS - THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by the salon, or sent me a PayPal donation or found me and added to the donations. As of this morning I am so proud to report I have $725 in hand. Giant, enormous, from my heart to yours, thank you.

This is a seriously beautiful instrumental version of the Ed Sheeran song. Take the time to give love to those around you who need it. xo